White Horse Hill Game Preserve In North Dakota Just Turned 119 Years Old And It’s The Perfect Spot For A Day Trip

Let's go back in time. Like, way back - back more than a century. The year is 1904, and Sully's Hill National Park has just been dedicated as a National Park. Interestingly, though, it would not remain one - in a turn of events, President Herbert Hoover would reassign the park to the Biological Survey (now known as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), stripping it of its "National Park" title and assigning it a new one: Sully's Hill Game Preserve. And this wasn't even its only name change. This unique area, now known as the White Horse Hill National Game Preserve, is incredible! Personally, I kinda wish it were still a national park. It certainly seems to fill the role nicely. Check it out:

Welcome to (what is now) the White Horse Hill Game Preserve!

On April 27th, 2024, it turned an amazing 119 years old - and goodness, is it perfect for a day trip.

I can't even decide which aspect of this 1,674-acre slice of paradise is the best one.

The hiking here is wonderful, featuring views that are unbeatable and the distant promise of Devil's Lake.

In 1916, an enclosure was established with the intention of introducing various critters to the preserve, including elk, bison, and deer.

Today, you can observe the descendants of those critters, who still call the region home.

It's amazing to spot a buffalo or two while you're exploring; the wildlife truly adds to the overall experience, and without it, this place just wouldn't be what it is. In 1985, turkeys were introduced... and quickly spread beyond the enclosure.

But the landscape is just as wondrous, ever-changing, and beautiful.

There are woods, wetlands, hills, prairies... just so many things to adore about this awesome little preserve. How lucky are we to call it our own?

I could spend all day here... and I have.

And I encourage you to do the same. Explore every acre; you never know what you'll find, and it's an adventure worth having.

It's an adventure that's well past a century old now. Planning to hike around the preserve and make a whole thing out of it? No worries - you'll want to check out our epic hiking trip packing list so you don't miss a thing. For more information about the White Horse Hill National Game Preserve, check out the official U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website.

What do you think? Do you know of any landmarks that are celebrating a special birthday this spring? Tell me all about 'em in the comments!